Audio on demand
A tribute to Bob Edwards
Dr Robert Edwards AO has played a crucial role in museums, Aboriginal art and culture, and the visual arts in Australia. At this tribute, friends, colleagues, protégés and admirers celebrate Bob’s contribution over more than seven decades of public life.
A tribute to Dr Robert Edwards AO: welcome and keynote address
Andrew Sayers, Director, National Museum of Australia and Neil MacGregor, Director, British Museum
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
A welcome by Andrew Sayers followed by Neil MacGregor’s reflections on Bob Edwards as museum curator, anthropologist and archaeologist, founding director of the Aboriginal Arts Board and exhibitions wheeler and dealer.
Early curatorial career at the South Australian Museum
Dr Philip Jones, South Australian Museum
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
Highlights from Bob Edwards’ fieldwork, collecting Aboriginal stone tools and documenting rock art and engravings, and his time at the South Australian Museum in the 1960s–70s.
Bob Edwards: from orchardist to ethnographer
Dick Richards
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
Childhood friend Dick Richards provides an insight into Bob Edwards’ early years, from growing up on family farms on the Adelaide Plains, to market gardening, the Royal Geographic Society and his anthropological studies.
Bob Edwards: museums and archaeology
John Mulvaney, Mike Smith, Dick Kimber, Nic Peterson, Robin Hirst and Dr Philip Jones
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
An esteemed panel discusses Bob Edwards’ impact in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, museums and museum management.
Foundation of the Aboriginal Arts Board
Carole Johnson, John Moriarty, Chris Fondum and Jenny Isaacs
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
Former members of the Aboriginal Arts Board describe the years of its establishment under the directorship of Bob Edwards.
Bringing the world’s heritage to Australia
Betty Churcher and Dr Caroline Turner
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
Former National Gallery of Australia director Betty Churcher and art scholar Dr Caroline Turner discuss Bob Edwards’ contribution to persuading overseas gallery directors to allow exhibitions of masters to come to Australia.
A portrait of Bob Edwards
Doug Hall, Commissioner for the Venice Biennale and former Director, Queensland Art Gallery
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
A discussion on John Elliott’s portrait of Bob Edwards at the National Portrait Gallery and how it portrays elements of Bob’s character, including his cultural diplomacy and advocacy for Australia’s Indigenous people.
Contributions from friends and colleagues
John Bannon, Michael Treloar, Howard Morphy, Bob Edwards and Peter Stanley
A tribute to Bob Edwards, 22 March 2011
The man of the moment, Bob Edwards, responds to messages from friends and colleagues who paid tribute to his work.
